Langley Spin Tunnel, Testing Mercury Capsule Model, 1949
NASA Langley spin tunnel researchers tested a Mercury capsule model. In 1941 Langley began operations on a 20-foot spin tunnel which replaced the 15-ft tunnel and has been in continuous testing to the present day. The facility features a vertically-rising test airstream into which free-flying unpowered aircraft models are hand-launched to evaluate spinning and spin recovery behavior, tumbling resistance, and recovery from other out-of-control situations. The tunnel is a closed-throat, annular return wind tunnel with a 12-sided test section 20-ft across by 25-ft tall. The test section air speed can be varied from 0 to approximately 85 ft/sec. Airflow in the test section is controlled by a 3-bladed fan powered by a 400-hp direct current motor located in the top of the facility. The airspeed control system is designed to permit rapid changes in fan speed to enable precise location of the model in the test section. The spin tunnel has supported the development of nearly all US military fighter and attack aircraft, trainers and bombers during its history, with over 600 projects to date. No photographer credited, 1959.
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Photo credit: © Science History Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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